A service to honor Dorothy’s remarkable life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5 at the Fairmont United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation held at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service providing an opportunity for loved ones to gather, share memories, and find comfort in the life she leaves behind. A luncheon will be served after the service with burial following at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery. Lakeview Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dotty was born on April 22, 1926, in Ceylon, Minn. to parents Asa and Louise Lenz Gardner. She grew up on the family farm until it burned down and they moved into town. After graduating from Ceylon High School, she attended the Minneapolis School of Business, where she completed a year of studies before embarking on a career at the First National Bank in Fairmont.

Dotty first met Russell Peterson at a dance at Fox Lake while he was on leave from the army. They soon started dating and exchanged vows on Sept. 6, 1952, at the Methodist Church in Ceylon, Minn. The Petersons were married for 69 years until Russ’ death in April 2022.

After starting their family, Dotty quit her job at the bank and stayed home to raise their children. She always ensured that her family was taken care of by making a safe and loving home. Being a stay-at-home mom granted Dotty valuable time with her family, allowing her to attend her children’s school events, including concerts and sporting events. She also took the time to do special projects for her kid’s classmates like making personalized cookies for Valentine’s Day. In addition to caring for her family, Dotty maintained the books for Russ’ cabinet-making business. When they retired, they continued to care for the house that Russ built after they were married. It was a hard day when they decided to sell their house and move to the community of Northfield, Minn. where they could be closer to family.

In addition to being an avid Minn. Twins fan, Dotty engaged in many endeavors. She delighted in baking, her culinary creations a warm welcome at any gathering. Sewing club meetings transitioned into lasting friendships, fortified over coffee and dessert. She was a faithful steward of her church and a volunteer at the Hospital gift shop. She was very structured in her routine. We would always know what she was doing on a particular day of the week. Her children and grandchildren will always remember her unexpected sense of humor.

As we bid farewell to Dorothy Leone Peterson, we remember a person of unwavering faith, whose kindness and gentility bestowed blessings upon all who knew her. Her life is celebrated as an inspiration, a reminder of the profound impact one person’s love and dedication can have on those around her.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Julie (Max) Vanriper of Blaine, Mark (Dawn) of Maplewood and Joanie (Randy) Juhlin of Calgary, Alberta; grandchildren, Kristin Holz, Noah (Becky) Vanriper, Jesse (Alison) Vanriper, Ashley (Ryan) Beardmore, Ian (Jenna), Jena (Noah) Skara, Matthew Juhlin, Meghan Juhlin; and great-grandchildren, Lauren, Tyler, Eilee, Abby, Ella, Wren, Jackson, Harper and Hendrix. She was preceded in death by her parents, Asa and Louise; her husband, Russell; brother, Bill Gardner; and grandson-in-law, Chad.

Memorials are preferred to the Fairmont United Methodist Church.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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